Tokyo and Osaka are the 2 biggest cities in Japan, both are fun and unique, but which one is the best? Everyone has their own opinion, so in this article we are going to present some points and comparisons between each of these 2 cities for you to decide which is the best.
We will address several topics of both tourism and housing. For this we will have a little help from my friend Roberto Pedraça who made a video with this theme:
Transport - Tokyo x Osaka
Regarding traffic, Tokyo can be much more hellish than Osaka, driving from inside to outside the city can be terrifying, but nothing compared to the gigantic Brazilian cities. Osaka people drive faster, and the streets are more spacious.
The train lines in Tokyo are amazing, it looks like a maze, but they are very easy and practical. In Osaka, the train lines are usually few compared to Tokyo, but they are still practical.
Both cities offer great transport options, but they are the 2 biggest cities in Japan, so be careful during rush hour, especially Tokyo.
Tourism - Tokyo vs Osaka
Both cities offer different tourism options. The city of Tokyo has a stronger geek, pop and otaku culture, while Osaka has a stronger local atmosphere.
In Tokyo we have more outstanding tourist attractions, but in Osaka all tourist cities like Kyoto, Nara, Himeji are reachable within a few minutes by train.
In Tokyo we have Disney, in Osaka we have Universal Studios. In Tokyo we have several towers, buildings and prominent neighborhoods, in Osaka we have the biggest aquarium and some castles.
Tokyo you can spend a month in the city and still won't be able to see all the sights. Osaka you can travel to other historic cities more easily.
Osaka vs Tokyo spending
In Tokyo the food will be more expensive, and the taste is usually traditional, and there you will find first class restaurants. In Osaka, the local cuisine is very popular and the prices and atmosphere are more friendly. Takoyaki and Okonimiyaki are Osaka's main highlights.
When it comes to shopping, Tokyo certainly offers more variety and options. But the people of Osaka are more friendly, you can socialize and negotiate with the vendors. Osaka prices will definitely be cheaper than Tokyo.
The article is still halfway through, but we recommend also reading:
The people of Osaka vs Tokyo
In Tokyo it's everyone in their own square, people don't care much about foreigners. In Osaka people are much more friendly, pleasant and easy to make friends.
The environment in Osaka is much warmer than the environment in Tokyo, making it a great option to live. In Osaka you find less foreigners than Tokyo. The culture is livelier. Tokyo is more industrialized.
Osaka people seem happier, more innocent and funnier. It makes Osaka women more beautiful. Osaka is also famous in the comedy business.
Where is better? Tokyo or Osaka?
Both Osaka and Tokyo have their advantages and disadvantages. My opinion is that Osaka becomes a better place to live, while Tokyo is just a sightseeing place.
That's because Osaka is cheaper, has more attractive surroundings and a much friendlier population. I prefer Osaka, how about you? Which city do you prefer? Fortunately in Japan you may be able to get to the other city in less than 3 hours.
